The smell of smoke inside a vehicle can prove to be quite irritating. However, it might be tough to remove the smell as they dominate the driving experience of the people behind the wheel by permeating the interior. The sources of unwanted smoke in the car can be the smoke caused by cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, and cannabis. You will be able to get rid of the smell from the automobile by cleaning the interior of the vehicle and taking certain other measures that we have mentioned in this blog. Let us go through this article from start to finish to get a good idea of how to get the job done.
1. Auto detailing
Auto detailing will be one of the most effective ways of removing the smell of smoke from the interiors of the automobile. By the term “auto detailing” we mean providing the vehicle with a full service from top to bottom. This should consist of a comprehensive vacuuming of the carpets, a deep shampooing of the seats, upholstery, and all the carpets plus deep cleaning of all the leather as well as plastic surfaces. Pull out the seats of the vehicle to make sure that the carpeting, as well as the areas beneath the seat cushions, are properly cleaned. Another option will be steam cleaning as well.
However, it is essential to remember that it will not be feasible to cover the smoke in the car’s headliner with the help of auto detailing. This is due to the fact that headliners happen to be more delicate as compared to vehicle carpeting. There is a possibility for the headliners to become damaged while performing shampooing and cleaning the cigarette smell, and therefore, it might a good idea to replace the ceiling liner in the long run.
The smell might remain in spite of performing a comprehensive auto detail which will, of course, depend on the smoke’s concentration level. (For example, the number of cigarettes smoked inside the car and how often).
2. Air out the smell
It will be a sensible step to allow wind and air to circulate inside the car so that it is possible for the smoke smell to dissipate. Don’t close the windows on a windy day for getting the job done. This can be done either when the vehicle is being driven or when it is parked.
3. Make the ashtray clean
It might be the fact that there might be an accumulation of lots of ash in the ashtray of your vehicle that can likewise result in the formation of smell inside your vehicle. Consequently, make sure to wash the ashtray after removing it from the vehicle. Let it dry for 1 day after washing it and then put the ashtray back in the proper place once it has become dry.
4. Take care of the floor mats
It is feasible for the smoke smell to stick to the floor mats as well, and therefore, you might need to clean the floor mats to remove the smell from them. Make sure to vacuum the mats comprehensively after taking them out of the car. A steam cleaner, as well as a degreaser, can also be used for cleaning the fabric further. One more option is to sprinkle some baking soda on the floor mat which will be capable of absorbing the acidic smells including the smoke of nicotine.
5. Replace the cabin air filter
On most occasions, you don’t need any tool to change the cabin air filter of your vehicle. In most cases, it will be possible to simply pull out the air filter from the back of the glove compartment. Dispose of the filter after taking it out, and replace it with a brand new air filter.
6. Get the glove compartment cleaned
It is possible for the smoke smell to stick to all the objects and surfaces within the car. Therefore, it will be a good idea to clean the glove compartment. Take out all the things that are present within the glove compartment. Get rid of the unwanted items and air out the essentials. Make the compartment’s contents clean after removing them and get the job done with the help of a cleaner and microfiber cloth.
7. Wipe the interior of the car
Get rid of cigarette butts, ashes, and other pollutants by comprehensively vacuum cleaning the car’s interior. Focus on the crevices as well as the areas beneath the car seats since it might be possible for the ashes to cling to them. Prior to working on the difficult-to-reach areas of the interior of the automobile, make sure to fasten the crevice tool attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
Besides vacuuming, you may also use a hard surface cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the interior of the car. Follow the instructions on the label of the cleaner to get the job done.
Apart from this, use a clean piece of cloth for wiping the seat belts. In the same way, spray a glass cleaner on the interior of the windows for wiping them comprehensively. It will be possible to prepare a DIY window cleaner by blending a small amount of dishwashing liquid, a small amount of vinegar, plus some water within a spray bottle. Bear in mind to shake the solution thoroughly before starting to apply it.
8. Ozone-treatment car deodorizers
It is a fact that car deodorizers can likewise prove to be effective while removing the smell of smoke from the car. For instance, you might place a bag full of unused coffee grinds for soaking up the smell inside the car. It will also be feasible to mask the smell with the help of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and also vanilla, although they will not be capable of getting rid of the odor.
9. Get the vents cleaned
It is of prime importance to clean the vents of the vehicle for removing the smell of cigarettes. First, use a damp piece of cloth for wiping the vents or you may likewise use a compact-sized detailing brush. Next, allow the steam to pass properly by making use of a steam cleaner and allowing the vents to circulate.
It will be possible to remove the smell of smoke by spraying a freshener as well. The solution has to be applied to the seats of the automobile as well as the seat backs. Moreover, make it a point to spray the smell neutralizer in the heating system of the car too. Lastly, open all the doors of the car and leave it like that for about 30 minutes.
10. Use an odor-absorbent object
It is time for you to verify whether you have been able to get rid of the smell of the smoke from your vehicle. Make the interior of the car dry prior to closing it once again. This is because lots of undesirable smells and molds can be caused by the presence of moisture inside the vehicle.
Apart from cleaning the interior of the automobile, make certain to place an odor-absorbent substance within it as well. This is more applicable in case there is some smell of smoke left over following the cleaning. Below, we have mentioned some odor-absorbent substances that can be used by you:
- Baking soda – It is possible for you to come across baking soda in the kitchen of your residence if you happen to be a baker. It might be ok to sprinkle some baking soda on the smelly regions inside the car or you can simply keep the box open and leave it like that.
- White vinegar – Some white vinegar has to be poured into a container which has to be left in the vehicle overnight for absorbing the smell of the smoke.
- Coffee grounds – On most occasions, you will find coffee grounds in your house that you use every day. These can be used as smell absorbers as well. Pour the coffee grounds into a container and leave it in the automobile overnight.
- Citrus peels – It is possible for the peels of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits to remove the smoke smell from the vehicle effectively while leaving a pleasant aroma as well. For this, you need to place a container of citrus fruits in the vehicle for 2 days.
- Cat litter – You can also place a container full of cat litter in the automobile overnight for getting the desired outcomes. Repeat this process the following night if required.
- Charcoal – The high porosity of charcoal will be capable of absorbing the smell of the smoke too. Place a bowl full of charcoal in the car for a minimum of 2 to 3 days.